WEST Study Guide

Section 4: Sample Multiple-Choice Questions
WEST–E Dance (054)

The sample test questions in this study guide are designed to give you an introduction to the nature of the questions included in the Washington Educator Skills Tests—Endorsements (WEST–E). They represent the various types of questions you may expect to see on an actual test in this test field; however, they are not designed to predict your performance on the test as a whole.

Work through the sample questions carefully before referring to the answers. The correct response and test objective being assessed are provided for each question. When you are finished with the sample questions, you may wish to review the test objectives and descriptive statements provided in the test framework for this test field.

In addition to reading and answering the sample questions, you should also utilize the following preparation materials available in this study guide:

Read Section 2: WEST–E Test-Taking Strategies to understand how test questions are designed to measure specific test objectives and to learn important test-taking strategies for the day of the test.
Review Section 3: Test Summary and Framework to familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the test. This section contains general testing information as well as the percentage of the total test score derived from each content domain described in the test framework.

Practice Questions

Expand All | Collapse All

Dance Skills and Concepts

Objective 0001: Demonstrate knowledge of basic dance elements, concepts, and skills.

1. A dancer stands on the left leg and extends the right leg to the front at hip height. Which of the following movements, if performed from this position, would be a locomotor movement?

bending the torso forward over the right leg, then opening the torso into a backbend
falling onto the right foot, then brushing the left leg through to the front
swinging the right leg quickly to the right side, then initiating a turn on the left leg
drawing the right foot toward the left knee, then extending the right leg to the back

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

2. The rhythm of a segment of choreography is provided primarily by which of the following elements?

the rate of repetition of thematic movements
the structure of the movement patterns
the speed at which movement is executed
the time used in each phrase of movement

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

3. One significant difference between locomotor and axial movements is the:

range of movement they involve.
time they require for execution.
relationship they have to space.
qualities of energy they employ.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

Objective 0002: Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of movement and kinesiology.

4. Which of the following is most often experienced by adolescent dancers during a growth spurt in which their arms and legs grow longer and the proportion of their limb to torso length changes?

fluctuations in coordination and balance
decreases in joint and tendon injuries
increases in strength and flexibility
improvements in technical skill and control

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

5. In a dance technique class, an instructor would use the term proximal or distal to refer to the:

way a dancer initiates movement.
height of a dancer's center of gravity relative to the floor.
direction in which a dancer gestures.
range a dancer uses in executing a locomotor movement.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

6. Which of the following anatomical relationships is most important in creating efficient alignment of the body for dance movement?

The head is held directly over the toes.
The spinal vertebrae are in a straight line directly over the knees.
The rib cage sits directly above the pelvis.
The shoulders sit behind the lower spine directly over the heels.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

Objective 0003: Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental technical skills and concepts of performance dance (i.e., ballet, modern, jazz, and tap dance).

7. Classical ballet has its origins in:

the gestures and movement patterns of traditional European folk dances.
the dramatic expressiveness of theatrical actors.
the natural movements reflected in Greek statues and paintings.
the refined and elegant deportment of court dances of the Renaissance.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

8. In the 1940s, Katherine Dunham developed a modern dance technique that was heavily influenced by the dance traditions of which of the following regions?

the Caribbean and South America
Southeast Asia
the Middle East and northern Africa
sub-Saharan Africa

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

9. In choreography developed by Alvin Ailey, the use of strong thrusts, lunges and deep second-position pliés, and swings of the legs and torso most directly reflect the influence on Ailey's technique on which of the following modern dancers?

Ted Shawn
Martha Graham
Lester Horton
Katherine Dunham

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

Objective 0004: Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental technical skills and concepts of historical and contemporary world and social dance forms.

10. Which of the following best describes the origin of the hora that is danced at Jewish weddings and other celebrations?

It evolved from a traditional religious dance performed in Jewish communities throughout Europe.
It was developed by settlers of Israel from the folk dances of Yemenite residents of the region.
It was a Romanian folk dance brought to Israel by immigrants and adopted as a social dance.
It was created by settlers of Israel as an expression of patriotic community.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

11. Use the description of a world dance step below to answer the question that follows.

The step is executed in 2/4 or 4/4 time.

The step uses a smooth, even rhythm.

The basic footwork is step forward on right, step forward on left, step forward on right, hop on the right; repeat the pattern starting with the left foot.

Variations include a hold, turn, or swing of the free leg on the fourth count instead of the hop.

Which of the following basic steps common to dance traditions of Scandinavia does the description describe?

schottische
waltz
mazurka
two-step

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

12. Use the description of a type of dance below to answer the question that follows.

Dancers move with a low center of gravity, knees bent, and torsos inclined forward. Their movement is polycentric and polyrhythmic, with actions and gestures shaped by abstractions of traditional community activities. The rhythmic movements at the heart of the performance are governed by the drumbeats.

The description describes primarily which of the following dance genres?

folk dances of Eastern Europe
traditional West African dance
court dance of Southeast Asia
Native American community dances

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

13. The use of sharp body actions to create rhythmic percussive accompaniment to movement is most characteristic of which of the following forms of world dance?

calypso, Greek folk dance, and classical Thai dance
dragon dance, Bollywood, and Argentine tango
samba, Tinikling, and Japanese Kabuki
flamenco, Kathak, and African gumboot

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

Creating, Performing, and Responding to Dance

Objective 0005: Demonstrate knowledge of diverse and emergent choreographic principles, structures, and processes.

14. During a dance rehearsal, the choreographer notices that the dancers appear to be confused during a particular section of the dance. In deciding how to address this issue, the choreographer should begin by:

determining whether the confusion is caused by the need for more rehearsal or by a problem in the choreography.
reworking the problem section using simpler movements and slowing the pace.
asking the dancers to improvise new movements for the problem section based on movements from other sections of the dance.
considering how to reorder the movement sections to make the flow between them more intuitive.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

15. Which of the following best describes the concept of a phrase in choreography?

a series of gestures or movements that is intended to have a literal meaning
the smallest unit of form in a dance, composed of movements connected by a common intent
a small unit of movement, equal in length to one measure of the accompanying music
a series of movements to which the dancers return several times throughout a dance

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

16. As part of choreographic processes, guided improvisations can be used most effectively in which of the following ways?

synthesizing movement ideas generated in response to a stimulus into a coherent dance
analyzing the expressive potential of movement ideas in relationship to a planned theme
revising and refining movement ideas for greater clarity and communication of intent
developing an awareness of the innate phrasing that exists in a series of movements

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

Objective 0006: Understand dance as a way to create and communicate meaning.

17. In the traditional Maori dances known as haka, dancers hold their spines upright and their knees deeply bent while they perform rhythmic stomping movements, slap their chests and thighs, open their eyes wide, and extend their tongues toward their chins. These movements are intended to convey:

a strong relationship with the earth.
playfulness and welcoming.
a communal bond.
strength and determination.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

18. In an abstract dance inspired by butterflies, the theme is a sequence of swinging and spinning movements. The dance progresses into variations on the theme using different levels, directions, and movement qualities. In this work, the use of the theme and variations form most likely contributes to the effective communication of the subject matter by:

creating an unpredictable pattern that reflects the unpredictability of butterflies' actions in nature.
unifying the work by establishing and exploring a movement sequence expressing the essence of butterflies' movements.
drawing attention to the fact that butterflies' repertoire of movements is somewhat limited.
developing increasingly elaborate movement sequences that draw attention to the differences between humans' and butterflies' bodies.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

19. Use the table below to answer the question that follows.

	Weight	Space	Time	Flow
A	strong	direct	sustained	bound
B	light	indirect	sustained	free
C	strong	indirect	sudden	free
D	light	direct	sudden	bound

To design a phrase of movement that communicates the idea of leaves falling, a choreographer would most likely explore movement ideas characterized by the combination of movement qualities shown in which line in the table?

Line A
Line B
Line C
Line D

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

Objective 0007: Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of dance performance and production.

20. When planning a dance concert, a major advantage of selecting a program concept or theme for the concert is that it supports the selection of dances that:

are unified by a shared idea.
are appropriate for the expected audience.
share the same subject matter.
balance each other in style and energy level.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

21. As a dance work moves from the rehearsal studio to rehearsal on a theatrical stage, the choreographer is most likely to use a blocking rehearsal for which of the following purposes?

assessing the effects of lighting qualities and the accuracy of cues for lighting and set changes
evaluating the effectiveness of the choreographic design in communicating artistic intentions
planning set designs to best frame dancers' movements and support the artistic intent of the piece
refining dancers' placements and movement pathways to characteristics of the performance space

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

22. The costume designer and lighting designer should collaborate in creating designs for a dance primarily for which of the following reasons?

Lighting interacts with the colors of all elements on stage and can affect the appearance of costumes.
Costume designers have to know the lighting plan to budget for the materials they will need.
Lighting is used to establish the setting of a work, while costumes suggest the dancers' psyches.
Costume design and lighting design share the primary function of entertaining the audience.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

Objective 0008: Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of dance analysis and interpretation.

23. To understand how aesthetic choices in classical Indian dance are influenced by cultural context, it would be most helpful to learn about:

how the dancers and choreographers are trained.
the biographies of well-known Indian dancers.
the purpose of the dance and intent of the dancers.
various dance critics' views on Indian dance traditions.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

24. When mime or other symbolic movements are used in dance, the movements are most likely to serve as effective communication tools when they are:

repeated several times throughout the dance.
performed center stage with the focus on the dancers performing the movements.
incorporated fully with the other movements included in the dance.
performed for an audience that shares an understanding of the movements' meanings.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

25. Use the scenario below to answer the question that follows.

As the music begins, three dancers clustered at centerstage begin posing in asymmetrical shapes, each at a different level. One by one, they move onto a spiral pathway that expands outward until it uses the full stage, continuing to change levels as they move through a variety of asymmetrical shapes.

The scenario focuses primarily on which of the following aspects of dance?

interpreting the form and intentions of choreography
analyzing the structure of choreographic design
describing the use of space in choreographic patterns
evaluating the effectiveness of movement choices

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

Connections of Dance to Everyday Life

Objective 0009: Demonstrate knowledge of components of healthful living and fitness that promote lifelong well-being.

26. When using progressive overload as part of the weight-bearing exercise component of a conditioning program to build muscular strength, a dancer should gradually increase the:

number of repetitions.
target heart rate.
amount of resistance.
range of motion.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

27. The best way for a dancer to maintain a healthy weight during daily training, rehearsals, and performances is to choose a diet that emphasizes:

high-protein foods prepared with as little fat as possible.
supplements that are designed to support athletes' health.
foods that are high in carbohydrates.
a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

28. For a dancer who is having difficulty with balance and stability, it would be most important to focus on improving which of the following technical abilities?

muscular strength
kinesthetic memory
postural control
spatial awareness

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

29. Movement efficiency is most accurately described in which of the following ways?

reducing the range of motion used to perform an action
using well-developed muscles to increase aerobic capacity
balancing the use of force and resistance in creating actions
minimizing energy expenditure with correct body alignment

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

Objective 0010: Analyze the relationship between dance and culture.

30. Read the discussion of the team dancing tradition of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific below; then answer the question that follows.

Instruction in traditional team dancing is included in the school curriculum in the Cook Islands. Male and female students are taught different styles of movement. Men dance with their knees, flapping them vigorously while keeping their hips stationary. Women dance with their hips, swinging them from side to side with their shoulders remaining motionless.

Based on the description, traditional team dancing in the Cook Islands most likely serves an important role in:

instilling cultural values of restraint and personal control.
defining and expressing gender identity.
providing means for individuals to express their emotions.
determining and demonstrating social status.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

31. In many Native American nations of the Pacific Northwest, dances have historically been performed as part of elaborate ceremonies celebrating a bountiful salmon catch or the catch of a whale. These ceremonies are examples of how dance is used for which of the following purposes?

entertaining visitors to the community
expressing feelings
enhancing the environment
recounting an important historical event

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

32. Traditional performance of hunting and harvest dances in many Native American communities served primarily which of the following purposes?

reinforcing the structures of social hierarchy and emphasizing order
transmitting knowledge of cultural values to new generations
determining judgments for disputes within the community
providing a joyful diversion from the routine of daily life

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

33. Which of the following factors was most influential in the creation of twentieth-century dances in the United States such as the Charleston, fox-trot, country-western two-step, hustle and discotheque dancing, and hip hop?

the emergence of new styles of music
dancers' exploration of movement ideas in earlier dance forms
regional differences in aesthetic values
the invention of film and video technologies and markets

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

Objective 0011: Analyze how dance relates to other arts disciplines and academic subject areas.

34. Young students who have difficulty remembering the letters of the alphabet are likely to benefit from a creative-movement activity in which they shape their bodies and body parts to form letters. This approach to remembering the letters of the alphabet, compared to practicing writing letters, best helps students by:

enabling them to draw on spatial and kinesthetic senses to understand and remember information.
providing them with an entertaining activity that helps make learning new information fun.
allowing them to use gross-motor actions to express their understanding rather than fine-motor actions.
engaging visual learning skills as students observe and mimic body shapes created by others.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

35. Experience in observing, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating dance performances is most likely to contribute to the development of which of the following 21st Century Skills?

media literacy
leadership
creative thinking
initiative

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

36. A second-grade dance lesson in which students explore making lines and shapes with their bodies could be integrated most effectively with a lesson in which of the following academic topics?

life science
geometry
poetry
geography

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: B.

37. Students in a modern dance class are learning to pirouette. As part of the lesson, the teacher asks students to research and discuss the body mechanics involved in executing pirouettes. This strategy is likely to be effective in helping students revise movement techniques primarily because it:

redefines the problem as a physical action rather than an artistic movement.
encourages the involvement of students with different styles of learning.
promotes active reflection on the underlying elements of the problem.
connects new learning with the existing base of knowledge and skills.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: C.

Objective 0012: Demonstrate knowledge of career and recreational opportunities in dance.

38. In addition to formal education in dance notation, it is most important that an individual wishing to become a dance notator have:

thorough knowledge of dance repertory.
experience as a professional dancer.
experience as a professional choreographer.
thorough knowledge of movement and dance.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

39. One significant difference between participation in classes for social dances and participation in dance fitness classes is that social dance classes are more likely to include:

a focus on artistic expression.
emphasis on movement technique.
the use of memorization skills.
sustained cardiorespiratory activity.

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: A.

40. A contemporary dancer who chooses to pursue a career as a dance teacher would most benefit from the study of which of the following subjects?

human psychology
principles of artistic design
music history and styles
body mechanics and somatics

Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded: Correct Response: D.

Section 4: Sample Multiple-Choice QuestionsWEST–E Dance (054)